Friday, January 15, 2016

Followers of this blog know I have an ongoing fascination with brick stitch embroidery, and used a motif found in Burgundian roof tile as a pattern for one of my embroideries.Last summer we visited the Burgandy region of France, including the medieval walled city of Beause. Oenophiles are familiar with Beaune (and Burgandy) for its excellent wine. We drank as much of it as we could, and also visited the hospice museum (!).L’Hôtel-Dieu was founded in 1443 by Nicholas Rolin and his wife Guigone Salins. Rolin was the chancellor of the Duke of Burgandy, and his and his wife's initials are featured in some of the interior artwork. Much of the interior is restored to its original glory, and is well worth a visit. I just wish I was a better photographer.Interior of the main hospice building, showing the painted ceiling, carved and painted roof supports, a wooden bench, and the painted walls of the altar area (because of course the patient care area is also set up to hold Mass - no excuses for not making it to church!):

Last but not least, one of my favorite parts of the exhibit - a display on the traditional Burgundian roof tile, up close:

Friday, January 1, 2016

Last summer we took a trip to the Burgandy region of France. At a stop in the town of Paray Le Monial I came across an art/craft school (closed when we visited) and this display in the window. I don't speak French, and was traveling with people who were not interested in tile, so I had no more opportunity to pursue this other than taking these photos. There is one place in the area that still makes these tiles, which was also closed when we visited.

The photos (same photo, two exposures) give an idea of how these tiles were made, and show that this craft is still alive.